[2] The competition had a winter break that started 25 November 2012 and resumed on 23 March 2013.
Three teams were promoted from the 2011–12 Ukrainian Second League Two teams were relegated from the 2011–12 Ukrainian Premier League Prior to the season starting Nyva Vinnytsia withdrew from the PFL.
The following stadiums are considered home grounds for the teams in the competition.
[56] Nyva Ternopil qualified from Ukrainian Second League.
FC Odesa after being relegated to Second League withdrew.